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Partner of Choice

Discuss your economic development priorities with our experts

Our Approach

Partnering to drive economic growth

Working with universities and delivery partners, we co-create impactful, bespoke programmes
aligned with our funder’s goals.

TRUSTED – EXPERT – ADVICE helping SMEs to thrive and grow.

More accurate triaging and faster matching of SMEs to the right support through our academically validated tools.

Tracking progress and informing future commissioning decisions through actionable insights and intelligence.

Providing SMEs with access to academic expertise through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, research commercialisation opportunities and academic expertise deployment, through our partnerships with HEIs.

Acting as a vital translation service, we make complex academic knowledge around productivity, leadership and growth accessible and actionable for businesses.

Creating measurable economic development through a virtuous cycle.

Businesses gain competitive advantage from research-backed solutions, while universities receive valuable real-world data to enhance their research impact.

Our SME support programmes demonstrate proven results in driving regional growth and innovation.

Programme Partnerships

Programme Partnerships

Programme Partnerships

  • This tri-sector partnership exemplifies a novel and highly effective model for regional business support. By uniting the strategic oversight of a funder, the research capabilities of an academic institution, and the delivery expertise of a seasoned support provider, it has created a dynamic ecosystem for SME growth.
  • The co-designed programmes, underpinned by research-validated tools and intensive advisory engagement, have not only driven measurable improvements in productivity and growth but also fostered behavioural change and long-term capability development across hundreds of businesses.
  • This integrated approach is helping to strengthen the regional economy by embedding innovation, responsiveness, and evidence-based practice into the heart of SME support.
View Case Study
University Partnerships

University Partnerships

University Partnerships

  • Collaboration and Research: The Grounding for Evidence Based Practice – In West Yorkshire, we have worked with Leeds Beckett University to design and deliver at scale, productivity and growth programmes. LBU Identifying the drivers of economic productivity and growth in SMEs and aligning them with Exemplas’ expertise in delivering effective business support programmes.
  • Using technical research-validated tools and diagnostics, this co-creation has led into pragmatic support programmes for local SMEs.
  • They receive the best possible business support, and academic and technical knowledge, all driving the local economy.
View Case Study
Long-Term Growth Partnerships

Long-Term Growth Partnerships

Long-Term Growth Partnerships

  • Leading Model for high-impact SME support. Exemplas has delivered Hertfordshire’s Growth Hub since 2015, establishing it as a leading model for high-impact SME support and ecosystem coordination.
  • Delivered on behalf of Hertfordshire Futures, the service led by Exemplas is delivered through a consortium with the University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, and Visit Herts.
  • Through strategic partnerships, tailored interventions, and innovative delivery models the Growth Hub has supported over 14,000 businesses across the county and created 1,750 jobs.
  • This track record of impact, adaptability, and collaboration positions Exemplas as a proven delivery partner for funders and local authorities seeking to strengthen regional economies and drive inclusive growth.
View Case Study
Innovation & Scaling Partnerships

Innovation & Scaling Partnerships

Innovation & Scaling Partnerships

  • Exemplas deliver the Innovate UK Business Growth service that provides expert advice for businesses looking to commercialise innovative products, services and technologies, and succeed at growing and scaling their businesses, including through collaboration in international markets.
  • Exemplas acts as Partner of choice for Innovate UK Business Growth in the East of England and The Midlands. The service is delivered through our innovation and growth specialists. With their commercial acumen and innovation experience they help clients hone their growth strategies and accelerate their progress by exploiting their innovations, developing a sound funding and finance strategy, accessing new vertical and international markets, and getting ready to scale.
  • Find out more: https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/business-growth/
View Case Study
Tech Partnerships

Tech Partnerships

Tech Partnerships

  • Smarter AI Support – Faster SME Growth: AI business support that amplifies, not replaces human expertise. Collaborating with Meganexus, a London-based technology solutions company to develop voice enabled Triage through to Digital Business Adviser resources, Exemplas is driving change in the business support sector that allows us to deliver the faster and more efficient support service needed by funders.
  • Improving the SMEs experience of business support, driving consistency across programmes, improving efficiencies and allowing real time insights and results to be collated. Enhancing growth and scaling programmes for SMEs in our regions.
View Press Release
Commitment to Social Values

Commitment to Social Values

Commitment to Social Values

  • As a partner of choice and purpose-driven organisation, Exemplas is strongly committed to generating social value when we deliver programmes on behalf of funders.
  • Working with Sustainable X, a consultancy who helps businesses make progress on sustainability, to help SMEs on our growth programmes develop Carbon Reduction Plans to support net zero objectives
  • Working with Leeds Beckett University in West Yorkshire we have been able to develop a series of productivity podcasts, knowledge tools and events to broaden the reach and scope of business productivity knowledge sharing across the region, at no cost to funders. 
  • As an organisation, we are committed to sustainable practices, including best-in-class employment practices, sustainable procurement, and reducing our impact on the environment.
View Carbon Reduction Plan

Latest Insights

Leading Change in Business Support to Drive Economic Growth

Supporting SMEs across West Yorkshire: Infographics

Since 2023, Exemplas has been working in partnership with Leeds Beckett University, on behalf of West Yorkshire Combined Authority, supporting businesses across West Yorkshire. Business Productivity Service: West Yorkshire Business […]
Read More about Supporting SMEs across West Yorkshire: Infographics

Triple Learning Loop: A Research-Led Partnership Driving Impact

At Exemplas, we believe that effective business support is built on evidence, experience, and a relentless commitment to improvement. That’s why our long-standing partnership with Leeds Beckett University is central […]
Read More about Triple Learning Loop: A Research-Led Partnership Driving Impact

SME Productivity and Growth Blueprint

The Blueprint for Effective Business Support, developed through a collaboration between Exemplas and Leeds Beckett University, presents a proven framework for delivering high-impact business support to small and medium-sized enterprises. […]
Read More about SME Productivity and Growth Blueprint

Testimonials

We pride ourselves on the lasting relationships we build with our clients and the value we can bring to not only their organisations but that of the SMEs we work with on their behalf.

Exemplas, in partnership with Leeds Beckett University, has brought significant expertise to the design and delivery of business support programmes across West Yorkshire. The team has demonstrated a strong understanding of local policy objectives and has consistently refined and adapted delivery models to ensure they remain accessible, effective, and aligned with the needs of local businesses. Throughout our collaboration, they have been a pleasure to work with—always professional, responsive and flexible.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Our ambition has always been to develop Hertfordshire Growth Hub to become the best growth hub in the country. And we have made great strides towards realising that ambition. The use of technology has empowered the team to service so many more businesses than we had the capacity to do so previously. Providing clients with access to the support, advice and funding opportunities they need, quickly.

Tim Burton
Partnership & Delivery Manager, Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership

Exemplas delivered to a high standard and regularly exceed targets. Their understanding of business and export support and changing government requirements, meant they were able to adapt and continuously deliver a first-class service. A key factor were the skills and expertise of not only the front-line advisory team but colleagues who ensured the reporting and intelligence allowed us to develop and grow the service to meet changing client needs.

Philip Kelly
Managing Director of Enterprise Growth Solutions Ltd

Let’s get this partnership started

Every successful programme begins with a conversation. We’re ready when you are.

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